Psalm 53
2 God looks down from heaven on the children of man to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God.
3 They have all fallen away; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.
From this verse, and from Jesus' conversation with the rich young ruler, there is none that do good except God alone.
So do we give up? Not exactly. The hint is in verse 2. God looks to see if any understand or if any seek after God.
So what is our first step to do good in God's eyes? Try to understand God. Okay, we can't completely grasp God, but He has given us enough tools to understand Him as much as wants us (as individuals) to. He gives us His word (the Bible) for instruction (I Tim 3:16-17) and His Holy Spirit dwells in us (I Cor 6:19) for wisdom and guidance.
The next step is intertwined with the first step: Seek after God. What better way to seek after God than to learn and do His word. To rely on His Holy Spirit to direct us through His word. And for us just to talk to Him consistently through prayer.
You may not be able to do good, on your own. But if you rely on the Holy Spirit (which is God - and He alone is good) to direct you in seeking out God through His word and prayer, you choose to emulate the goodness that can only come through a faith in Jesus Christ and a surrender to Him.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
Worth Another Try
Luke 13:6-9
6 And he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?’ 8 And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. 9 Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’”
I see myself in this parable. Not the fig tree nor the vinedresser, but the man ready to cut the fig tree down. I'm learning not to be like this man, but I can see many of my old attitudes. How many times have you looked at the actions or words of another Christian and thought "they should know better"? Or "I don't see evidence of Christ in their lives"?
Well, I guess you know who the tree is. Now which role do you play: the man or the vinedresser? Are you ready to scrap that unfruitful person or give them nourishment? It may be that unfruitful person has not had a good vinedresser (mentor) and all they need is that time with someone who can lead them through the scriptures (make sure they have plenty of nourishment).
So what is your choice? Shall you out of frustration be judgmental or shall you out of love be nourishing?
6 And he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?’ 8 And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. 9 Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’”
I see myself in this parable. Not the fig tree nor the vinedresser, but the man ready to cut the fig tree down. I'm learning not to be like this man, but I can see many of my old attitudes. How many times have you looked at the actions or words of another Christian and thought "they should know better"? Or "I don't see evidence of Christ in their lives"?
Well, I guess you know who the tree is. Now which role do you play: the man or the vinedresser? Are you ready to scrap that unfruitful person or give them nourishment? It may be that unfruitful person has not had a good vinedresser (mentor) and all they need is that time with someone who can lead them through the scriptures (make sure they have plenty of nourishment).
So what is your choice? Shall you out of frustration be judgmental or shall you out of love be nourishing?
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Persistent Prayer
Luke 11 (KJV)
5And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; 6For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? 7And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. 8I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity (persistence) he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. 9And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
"But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking." - Matthew 6:7
Where's the balance? One section of scripture says to be persistent in prayer while the other warns of vain repetitions. Another section tells us that God is aware of our needs. How do you address this issue?
I guess the best place to start is to think about some of the purposes of prayer. It's our chance to communicate with the Father. It's also a chance for us to offer up requests to the Father. I think one of the greatest purposes of prayer is illustrated in the life of Moses.
God was about to destroy Israel and start a new nation from Moses, but Moses interceded for Israel. The result was that God did not destroy Israel. Did God change His mind, or did God change Moses? Think about Moses, he had a short temper and that resulted in the murder of an Egyptian. I think the person who murdered the Egyptian would have taken God up on the "nation out of you" offer. But God gave Moses the chance to change - and Moses did.
So what does this have to do with persistent prayer? I think it has much to do with it. The more we pray, the more we seek His will. And according to the main scripture today from Luke 11, seek and you will find. If we are putting God's will first, then we are changing to be more Godly.
All this to say that persistent prayer changes us into what the Father intends. Pretty cool.
5And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; 6For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? 7And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. 8I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity (persistence) he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. 9And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
"But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking." - Matthew 6:7
Where's the balance? One section of scripture says to be persistent in prayer while the other warns of vain repetitions. Another section tells us that God is aware of our needs. How do you address this issue?
I guess the best place to start is to think about some of the purposes of prayer. It's our chance to communicate with the Father. It's also a chance for us to offer up requests to the Father. I think one of the greatest purposes of prayer is illustrated in the life of Moses.
God was about to destroy Israel and start a new nation from Moses, but Moses interceded for Israel. The result was that God did not destroy Israel. Did God change His mind, or did God change Moses? Think about Moses, he had a short temper and that resulted in the murder of an Egyptian. I think the person who murdered the Egyptian would have taken God up on the "nation out of you" offer. But God gave Moses the chance to change - and Moses did.
So what does this have to do with persistent prayer? I think it has much to do with it. The more we pray, the more we seek His will. And according to the main scripture today from Luke 11, seek and you will find. If we are putting God's will first, then we are changing to be more Godly.
All this to say that persistent prayer changes us into what the Father intends. Pretty cool.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Prayer Framework
Luke 11:2-4 (KJV)
2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. 3 Give us day by day our daily bread. 4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
Many of you are familiar with the Lord's Prayer, but probably the one recorded in Matthew 9. Either one presents a great outline for prayer. (Matthew 6:9 - "After this manner therefore pray ye...).
Our Father: "Who are you addressing?"
in Heaven: "Where does He dwell?"
Hallowed (holy): "What is His quality?"
Thy kingdom come: "Whose kingdom?"
Thy will be done: "Whose way is best?"
Give us daily bread: "Who provides our needs?"
Forgive us: "Who can pardon us?"
As we forgive others: "How are we to treat others?"
Lead us not into temptation: "Whose path do we follow?"
Deliver us from evil: "Who directs us when we stray?"
If you were to go through this "manner of prayer" each morning where would your perspective be?
You start off by addressing the all powerful God, whom we can call Father. And though He can be everywhere and anyplace He chooses, He still dwells in a place we can only imagine - and though it is our home and destination, it's still beyond our full comprehension. (Do you see how each question provokes a new thought - and most questions I've put up here lead to how great God is.)
Continue to go through the questions and reflect. Try to start off the day with a prayer like this. We are commanded to pray without ceasing (I Thes 5:17) and these prayers can be compared to text messaging or quick phone calls to God. But the prayer we just talked about is our chance to daily give God our all. To put our perspective on Him. To truly acknowledge Him for whom He is.
2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. 3 Give us day by day our daily bread. 4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
Many of you are familiar with the Lord's Prayer, but probably the one recorded in Matthew 9. Either one presents a great outline for prayer. (Matthew 6:9 - "After this manner therefore pray ye...).
Our Father: "Who are you addressing?"
in Heaven: "Where does He dwell?"
Hallowed (holy): "What is His quality?"
Thy kingdom come: "Whose kingdom?"
Thy will be done: "Whose way is best?"
Give us daily bread: "Who provides our needs?"
Forgive us: "Who can pardon us?"
As we forgive others: "How are we to treat others?"
Lead us not into temptation: "Whose path do we follow?"
Deliver us from evil: "Who directs us when we stray?"
If you were to go through this "manner of prayer" each morning where would your perspective be?
You start off by addressing the all powerful God, whom we can call Father. And though He can be everywhere and anyplace He chooses, He still dwells in a place we can only imagine - and though it is our home and destination, it's still beyond our full comprehension. (Do you see how each question provokes a new thought - and most questions I've put up here lead to how great God is.)
Continue to go through the questions and reflect. Try to start off the day with a prayer like this. We are commanded to pray without ceasing (I Thes 5:17) and these prayers can be compared to text messaging or quick phone calls to God. But the prayer we just talked about is our chance to daily give God our all. To put our perspective on Him. To truly acknowledge Him for whom He is.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Allegiance
Luke 11:23 (ESV)
Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.
Have you ever thought about this statement and its implications? Regardless of what anybody says, there is no middle ground concerning Christ. You are either with Christ or against Him. You either join Him in His work or you attempt to destroy it.
How are your actions? Are they joining Christ in His work or destroying it? Are you like me and categorize them as neutral? From this scripture, there is no neutral. Seems a little unrealistic doesn't it? How can everything either be for Christ or against Christ? Let me offer up a couple of scriptures that are frequently quoted, and then you make the decision.
Proverbs 3:6 - In ALL THY WAYS acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
I Thessalonians 5:18 - In EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
ALL and EVERYTHING aren't middle ground. If both of these passages are ways we are supposed to live, how can we acknowledge God or give thanks for something that is neutral.
And that makes a good way to test your actions: can you acknowledge God or give Him thanks concerning what you are doing or what you have done? If not, read Psalm 139:23-24 and pray that God will forgive you, cleanse you, and direct you on a proper path with Him, one that is for Him.
Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.
Have you ever thought about this statement and its implications? Regardless of what anybody says, there is no middle ground concerning Christ. You are either with Christ or against Him. You either join Him in His work or you attempt to destroy it.
How are your actions? Are they joining Christ in His work or destroying it? Are you like me and categorize them as neutral? From this scripture, there is no neutral. Seems a little unrealistic doesn't it? How can everything either be for Christ or against Christ? Let me offer up a couple of scriptures that are frequently quoted, and then you make the decision.
Proverbs 3:6 - In ALL THY WAYS acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
I Thessalonians 5:18 - In EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
ALL and EVERYTHING aren't middle ground. If both of these passages are ways we are supposed to live, how can we acknowledge God or give thanks for something that is neutral.
And that makes a good way to test your actions: can you acknowledge God or give Him thanks concerning what you are doing or what you have done? If not, read Psalm 139:23-24 and pray that God will forgive you, cleanse you, and direct you on a proper path with Him, one that is for Him.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Proclaim the Kingdom & Heal
Luke 9:1-6
1 And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. 3 And he said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics. 4 And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. 5 And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” 6 And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.
This section of scripture recounts the first time Jesus sent the apostles out on their own. Their mission was simple: proclaim the kingdom of God and heal.
Jesus also equips them so they can stay focused on their goal. He first tells them not to be concerned with possessions, clothing, food or money. He also tells them if they receive hospitality from someone, to be content with that and not to seek hospitality from others. And he also tells them what to do if they are not accepted. Verse 6 then shows that they obeyed him.
I know that we are not apostles, but this paragraph tells us much about how we are to live as followers of Christ. Do you do the two things Jesus commanded? Proclaim the Kingdom of God and heal? Glorify God and edify others? Acknowledge God in everything you do and use your words to build up? When we reword the mission Jesus gave to the apostles, it brings it closer to our realm of everyday life.
We can give God the glory in our lives (which does include preaching the gospel). We can build up others with our words. What are the things that can get in our way? Jesus explained it: being preoccupied with possessions, clothing, food and money. Letting the “acceptance” from others determine how we act. Using the gospel to extort things out of others. Jesus made it simple: glorify God and build up others. Anybody happen to remember what the greatest commandment was? And the second?
1 And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. 3 And he said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics. 4 And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. 5 And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” 6 And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.
This section of scripture recounts the first time Jesus sent the apostles out on their own. Their mission was simple: proclaim the kingdom of God and heal.
Jesus also equips them so they can stay focused on their goal. He first tells them not to be concerned with possessions, clothing, food or money. He also tells them if they receive hospitality from someone, to be content with that and not to seek hospitality from others. And he also tells them what to do if they are not accepted. Verse 6 then shows that they obeyed him.
I know that we are not apostles, but this paragraph tells us much about how we are to live as followers of Christ. Do you do the two things Jesus commanded? Proclaim the Kingdom of God and heal? Glorify God and edify others? Acknowledge God in everything you do and use your words to build up? When we reword the mission Jesus gave to the apostles, it brings it closer to our realm of everyday life.
We can give God the glory in our lives (which does include preaching the gospel). We can build up others with our words. What are the things that can get in our way? Jesus explained it: being preoccupied with possessions, clothing, food and money. Letting the “acceptance” from others determine how we act. Using the gospel to extort things out of others. Jesus made it simple: glorify God and build up others. Anybody happen to remember what the greatest commandment was? And the second?
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Receiving Children
Luke 9:46-48
46 An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. 47 But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side 48 and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.”
If you have children or work with children, you may have an understanding of what it takes to “receive” a child. I’m a stay-at-home dad, so I know all about the Fall Back-to-school “Happy Dance.” Children can drive you crazy. Yeah, they may be cute, but they how to push every button to make you go crazy.
So, why did I bring that up? It’s so you understand that God wants you to realize that all that you do may not be as important as you think. Have you humbled yourself enough to have patience with a child who doesn’t stop talking from 6am to 10pm? How about two of them? Have you listened to a child, I mean really listened to them as they tell you a story? Okay, you may be doing pretty well with your own children; what about other children?
Why are children able to frustrate us so? Are we just taking ourselves too seriously? What’s God trying to tell us? Stop, listen, and love. How many times has God put that in His word? We find it in Exodus 14 (see Friday, Feb 8), we see it in Psalm 46, and we even see it in Luke 9 during the transfiguration.
How you treat children probably reveals the softness of your heart. It’s the soft heart that is able to truly receive Christ. It’s the hard heart that pushes a person's own selfish agenda.
46 An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. 47 But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side 48 and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.”
If you have children or work with children, you may have an understanding of what it takes to “receive” a child. I’m a stay-at-home dad, so I know all about the Fall Back-to-school “Happy Dance.” Children can drive you crazy. Yeah, they may be cute, but they how to push every button to make you go crazy.
So, why did I bring that up? It’s so you understand that God wants you to realize that all that you do may not be as important as you think. Have you humbled yourself enough to have patience with a child who doesn’t stop talking from 6am to 10pm? How about two of them? Have you listened to a child, I mean really listened to them as they tell you a story? Okay, you may be doing pretty well with your own children; what about other children?
Why are children able to frustrate us so? Are we just taking ourselves too seriously? What’s God trying to tell us? Stop, listen, and love. How many times has God put that in His word? We find it in Exodus 14 (see Friday, Feb 8), we see it in Psalm 46, and we even see it in Luke 9 during the transfiguration.
How you treat children probably reveals the softness of your heart. It’s the soft heart that is able to truly receive Christ. It’s the hard heart that pushes a person's own selfish agenda.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
The Good Portion
Luke 10:38-42 (ESV)
38 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
I have taught on this subject before, but it still serves as a good reminder to many of us. And yes, this one speaks to the “Martha” in all of us.
Let’s first commend Martha for what she did right: she welcomed Christ in her home and she desired to serve Him. These are two qualities ALL of us need – first, to welcome Christ in our home or more importantly, our lives; second, we should desire to serve Christ.
So, where did Martha go wrong? In a place where many of us go wrong: where the serving becomes more important than Jesus. How many of you have taken on too many responsibilities at church and forget to just spend time with God because you are too busy? I have – it’s a constant battle, and it has become extremely challenging since I’ve been in the ministry. Doing for Christ will NEVER replace being with Christ.
Now, don’t go overboard and swing completely to the other side – we still need to DO, but the doing must be influenced by the time we spend with Christ. We learn this in Luke 8. (Luke 8:21(ESV) – But he answered them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.”)
So, it comes down to being both Mary and Martha: first sit at Jesus' feet, then go and serve.
38 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
I have taught on this subject before, but it still serves as a good reminder to many of us. And yes, this one speaks to the “Martha” in all of us.
Let’s first commend Martha for what she did right: she welcomed Christ in her home and she desired to serve Him. These are two qualities ALL of us need – first, to welcome Christ in our home or more importantly, our lives; second, we should desire to serve Christ.
So, where did Martha go wrong? In a place where many of us go wrong: where the serving becomes more important than Jesus. How many of you have taken on too many responsibilities at church and forget to just spend time with God because you are too busy? I have – it’s a constant battle, and it has become extremely challenging since I’ve been in the ministry. Doing for Christ will NEVER replace being with Christ.
Now, don’t go overboard and swing completely to the other side – we still need to DO, but the doing must be influenced by the time we spend with Christ. We learn this in Luke 8. (Luke 8:21(ESV) – But he answered them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.”)
So, it comes down to being both Mary and Martha: first sit at Jesus' feet, then go and serve.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
God's Choice
Exodus 33:19b
And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.
This seems like one of the most unfair statements our Lord has made. As if His mercy is random, just a whim - however He may be feeling that day. No, I'm not trying to blasphemous, I'm just trying to touch upon some real feelings we all have and may be afraid to face up to.
How many times have our words, thoughts, or actions said, "God isn't fair."? You look at other's around you, both believers and unbelievers, and it seems that there is no justice. If God is in control, how can He let this stuff go on like this?
I guess we need to know a little more about God and His nature to fully understand this. The scripture we started with states He will be merciful to whom He chooses, and gracious to whom He chooses. So that leads to the next question, "Who did He choose?"
John 6:44 tells us no man can come to Jesus unless the Father draws him. And James 4:8 tells us that those who draw near to God, these He will near to. Both of these don't give us an exact answer, but give us a little evidence. If you have asked Jesus into your life as Lord and Savior, God chose you - and chooses to grow closer to you. He chooses to be merciful and gracious to you. He chooses to love you with an everlasting love (Jer 31:3). He chooses never to leave you or forsake you (Heb 13:5).
Sometimes the way the Lord works is just beyond our grasp (Ps 139:6) so we need to trust in fact: He chose us; He loves us; He won't leave us. He is just/fair (Job 4:17; Pr 11:1; Pr 16:11; Isa 45:21; Zeph 3:5).
We can trust Him, and now we know that the words He spoke to Moses (at least in our context) about who he chooses was about those of us that chose Jesus.
And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.
This seems like one of the most unfair statements our Lord has made. As if His mercy is random, just a whim - however He may be feeling that day. No, I'm not trying to blasphemous, I'm just trying to touch upon some real feelings we all have and may be afraid to face up to.
How many times have our words, thoughts, or actions said, "God isn't fair."? You look at other's around you, both believers and unbelievers, and it seems that there is no justice. If God is in control, how can He let this stuff go on like this?
I guess we need to know a little more about God and His nature to fully understand this. The scripture we started with states He will be merciful to whom He chooses, and gracious to whom He chooses. So that leads to the next question, "Who did He choose?"
John 6:44 tells us no man can come to Jesus unless the Father draws him. And James 4:8 tells us that those who draw near to God, these He will near to. Both of these don't give us an exact answer, but give us a little evidence. If you have asked Jesus into your life as Lord and Savior, God chose you - and chooses to grow closer to you. He chooses to be merciful and gracious to you. He chooses to love you with an everlasting love (Jer 31:3). He chooses never to leave you or forsake you (Heb 13:5).
Sometimes the way the Lord works is just beyond our grasp (Ps 139:6) so we need to trust in fact: He chose us; He loves us; He won't leave us. He is just/fair (Job 4:17; Pr 11:1; Pr 16:11; Isa 45:21; Zeph 3:5).
We can trust Him, and now we know that the words He spoke to Moses (at least in our context) about who he chooses was about those of us that chose Jesus.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Bells & Whistles
Exodus 31 (ESV)
1 The Lord said to Moses, 2 "See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, 4 to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, 5 in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft. 6 And behold, I have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. And I have given to all able men ability, that they may make all that I have commanded you: 7 the tent of meeting, and the ark of the testimony, and the mercy seat that is on it, and all the furnishings of the tent, 8 the table and its utensils, and the pure lampstand with all its utensils, and the altar of incense, 9 and the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils, and the basin and its stand, 10 and the finely worked garments, the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments of his sons, for their service as priests, 11 and the anointing oil and the fragrant incense for the Holy Place. According to all that I have commanded you, they shall do."
Bezalel was filled with the Holy Spirit to be able to work artistically in many different craftmanships for the adorning of the temple. He was given an assistant and a crew who received their ability from God. God wanted His temple not only to be where He would dwell among His people, but that the temple would visually reflect His beauty. One of the ministries at our church will soon be studying how the priest's garments and the temple reflect Christ. And it comes down that Bezalel was chosen as overseer of these things and was equipped by God for the purpose.
Today's devotion may be specifically targeted at me today, but please try to see how it may apply to you - even if it is in a different area.
Does today's church adorn it's buildings and garments the same way? The Baptist church I worship with doesn't. But, does the church do anything visually to enhance worship or learning? Mine does. In fact that is one of my major areas of responsibility. With the many resources available today, adding quality video to music is easy and welcomed. Using a Christian produced video to help tell a story is a new sermon tool. Using PowerPoint to display scripture is great for note-takers and those with impaired vision.
My mistake: I have called this all "Bells and Whistles." I have taken all these things that I oversee and reduced it down to using any means to get through to a Video/Multimedia generation. I have said that though these things are nice, it all comes down to the preaching and teaching of God's word and everything else is just icing - not necessary.
After reading this section of scripture, I realize that this is important to God. Using other senses to worship God is good and encouraged (Ps 34:8 - O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.). God will use our frame of reference, as long as it doesn't contradict Him, to reveal Himself to us. He did it visually in Exodus, He did it culturally in the New Testament (Acts 17:22-31; I Cor. 9:19-23), so it makes sense that He will reveal Himself using our visual culture.
Though I'm shamed that I discounted something very important to my Father, I'm excited that He chose me to oversee this important aspect.
Has God called you to something you deem unnecessary? Take time to pray to Him to reveal how important it really is - then just praise Him for using you.
1 The Lord said to Moses, 2 "See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, 4 to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, 5 in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft. 6 And behold, I have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. And I have given to all able men ability, that they may make all that I have commanded you: 7 the tent of meeting, and the ark of the testimony, and the mercy seat that is on it, and all the furnishings of the tent, 8 the table and its utensils, and the pure lampstand with all its utensils, and the altar of incense, 9 and the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils, and the basin and its stand, 10 and the finely worked garments, the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments of his sons, for their service as priests, 11 and the anointing oil and the fragrant incense for the Holy Place. According to all that I have commanded you, they shall do."
Bezalel was filled with the Holy Spirit to be able to work artistically in many different craftmanships for the adorning of the temple. He was given an assistant and a crew who received their ability from God. God wanted His temple not only to be where He would dwell among His people, but that the temple would visually reflect His beauty. One of the ministries at our church will soon be studying how the priest's garments and the temple reflect Christ. And it comes down that Bezalel was chosen as overseer of these things and was equipped by God for the purpose.
Today's devotion may be specifically targeted at me today, but please try to see how it may apply to you - even if it is in a different area.
Does today's church adorn it's buildings and garments the same way? The Baptist church I worship with doesn't. But, does the church do anything visually to enhance worship or learning? Mine does. In fact that is one of my major areas of responsibility. With the many resources available today, adding quality video to music is easy and welcomed. Using a Christian produced video to help tell a story is a new sermon tool. Using PowerPoint to display scripture is great for note-takers and those with impaired vision.
My mistake: I have called this all "Bells and Whistles." I have taken all these things that I oversee and reduced it down to using any means to get through to a Video/Multimedia generation. I have said that though these things are nice, it all comes down to the preaching and teaching of God's word and everything else is just icing - not necessary.
After reading this section of scripture, I realize that this is important to God. Using other senses to worship God is good and encouraged (Ps 34:8 - O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.). God will use our frame of reference, as long as it doesn't contradict Him, to reveal Himself to us. He did it visually in Exodus, He did it culturally in the New Testament (Acts 17:22-31; I Cor. 9:19-23), so it makes sense that He will reveal Himself using our visual culture.
Though I'm shamed that I discounted something very important to my Father, I'm excited that He chose me to oversee this important aspect.
Has God called you to something you deem unnecessary? Take time to pray to Him to reveal how important it really is - then just praise Him for using you.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
His Presence
Exodus 29 (ESV)
45 I will dwell among the people of Israel and will be their God. 46 And they shall know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt that I might dwell among them. I am the Lord their God.
This section of scripture is at the end of the description of the process to sanctify the temple and the priests. This comes after warnings of not to make the same kind of incense used in the temple and not to anoint an ordinary person with the anointing oil for the temple and the priests.
Even after warnings that if not heeded would cause a person to be cut off from Israel, God affirms His love for His people. He desired to dwell among them. He desired to let them know that He was their God.
Here's an exciting thing to think about, if you have ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins and to be your Lord and Savior, you are no longer an "ordinary" person. In fact you are a priest and a temple. I Peter 2:9; I Corinthians 6:19-20.
Do you live your life as an anointed priest of God? Do you even think of yourself as that? Remember that He dwells among you and has equipped you. Everything you need is in Him - you just need to ask Him. And what is required of your priesthood? Always point to God. Glorify Him. Proverbs 3:5-6. And when people ask why, point to what Christ did for you and how He enabled you. I Peter 3:15.
45 I will dwell among the people of Israel and will be their God. 46 And they shall know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt that I might dwell among them. I am the Lord their God.
This section of scripture is at the end of the description of the process to sanctify the temple and the priests. This comes after warnings of not to make the same kind of incense used in the temple and not to anoint an ordinary person with the anointing oil for the temple and the priests.
Even after warnings that if not heeded would cause a person to be cut off from Israel, God affirms His love for His people. He desired to dwell among them. He desired to let them know that He was their God.
Here's an exciting thing to think about, if you have ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins and to be your Lord and Savior, you are no longer an "ordinary" person. In fact you are a priest and a temple. I Peter 2:9; I Corinthians 6:19-20.
Do you live your life as an anointed priest of God? Do you even think of yourself as that? Remember that He dwells among you and has equipped you. Everything you need is in Him - you just need to ask Him. And what is required of your priesthood? Always point to God. Glorify Him. Proverbs 3:5-6. And when people ask why, point to what Christ did for you and how He enabled you. I Peter 3:15.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Burnout
Exodus 18
13 The next day Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood around Moses from morning till evening. 14 When Moses' father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, “What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning till evening?” 15 And Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God; 16 when they have a dispute, they come to me and I decide between one person and another, and I make them know the statutes of God and his laws.” 17 Moses' father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good. 18 You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone. 19 Now obey my voice; I will give you advice, and God be with you! You shall represent the people before God and bring their cases to God, 20 and you shall warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make them know the way in which they must walk and what they must do. 21 Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. 22 And let them judge the people at all times. Every great matter they shall bring to you, but any small matter they shall decide themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. 23 If you do this, God will direct you, you will be able to endure, and all this people also will go to their place in peace.”
One thing I am learning to pay attention to while in the ministry is setting boundaries. Sometimes it's just easier to take care of a need myself instead of finding others who can handle it. This is why so many pastors "burn out" instead of persevering. Moses was doing this very thing until his father-in-law pointed out the problem and gave him a solution.
Galatians 6:9
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Luke 18:1
And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that wen ought always to pray, and not to faint;
Obviously, first and foremost, the number one preventative measure for burnout is prayer. Not giving up reaps rewards. But what can you and I do?
This depends where you are: the pastor or leader may have to learn to delegate. He may have to learn to let go of something and let another take that task over. This is tough for the person who is particular on how things should be done. Well, lose the pride and let God lead that person in that task, which very well may be so more effective than what you could ever do.
You could be on the other side of this - you may not be taking anything on. I'm not saying that you need to immediately start teaching 1st Grade Sunday School, but I am saying that there may be many things you can do that can help a leader avoid burnout: taking out trash; helping to shut down the church after service, shoveling snow off the front steps, etc. Watch your leaders, see if they are doing anything that you could do for them. That little thing may just be more important than you could ever imagine.
13 The next day Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood around Moses from morning till evening. 14 When Moses' father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, “What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning till evening?” 15 And Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God; 16 when they have a dispute, they come to me and I decide between one person and another, and I make them know the statutes of God and his laws.” 17 Moses' father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good. 18 You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone. 19 Now obey my voice; I will give you advice, and God be with you! You shall represent the people before God and bring their cases to God, 20 and you shall warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make them know the way in which they must walk and what they must do. 21 Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. 22 And let them judge the people at all times. Every great matter they shall bring to you, but any small matter they shall decide themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. 23 If you do this, God will direct you, you will be able to endure, and all this people also will go to their place in peace.”
One thing I am learning to pay attention to while in the ministry is setting boundaries. Sometimes it's just easier to take care of a need myself instead of finding others who can handle it. This is why so many pastors "burn out" instead of persevering. Moses was doing this very thing until his father-in-law pointed out the problem and gave him a solution.
Galatians 6:9
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Luke 18:1
And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that wen ought always to pray, and not to faint;
Obviously, first and foremost, the number one preventative measure for burnout is prayer. Not giving up reaps rewards. But what can you and I do?
This depends where you are: the pastor or leader may have to learn to delegate. He may have to learn to let go of something and let another take that task over. This is tough for the person who is particular on how things should be done. Well, lose the pride and let God lead that person in that task, which very well may be so more effective than what you could ever do.
You could be on the other side of this - you may not be taking anything on. I'm not saying that you need to immediately start teaching 1st Grade Sunday School, but I am saying that there may be many things you can do that can help a leader avoid burnout: taking out trash; helping to shut down the church after service, shoveling snow off the front steps, etc. Watch your leaders, see if they are doing anything that you could do for them. That little thing may just be more important than you could ever imagine.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Watch God
Exodus 14 (ESV)
13 And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. 14 The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”
Verse 14 is so powerful. "The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent." The King James says "Ye shall hold your peace." I know my understanding of this is pretty blunt - "Just shut up and let God be God." At least the Bible isn't as harsh as I am, but that's what is being said.
Israel was being pursued and was trapped between the Red Sea and a horde of angry Egyptians. Israel, like us, just started whining and complaining - not only that but with a sarastics tone: "What? There wasn't enough room for graves in Egypt so you brought us out to the wilderness to die?" Moses responds, "Be silent and just watch what God is going to do."
This is the first time I've looked at Exodus 14:14 in my own words - and frankly, I'm convicted by it. By nature, I'm a complainer. And by nature, I want to solve my own problems. I've been in the process of learning that there is more to be thankful for than to complain about. But sometimes that "complainer" is just lurking under the surface - maybe not voicing complaints, but maybe influencing attitudes or actions. I now see in those situations, a simple sentence can help me get the right perspective: "Silence! Watch God!"
13 And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. 14 The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”
Verse 14 is so powerful. "The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent." The King James says "Ye shall hold your peace." I know my understanding of this is pretty blunt - "Just shut up and let God be God." At least the Bible isn't as harsh as I am, but that's what is being said.
Israel was being pursued and was trapped between the Red Sea and a horde of angry Egyptians. Israel, like us, just started whining and complaining - not only that but with a sarastics tone: "What? There wasn't enough room for graves in Egypt so you brought us out to the wilderness to die?" Moses responds, "Be silent and just watch what God is going to do."
This is the first time I've looked at Exodus 14:14 in my own words - and frankly, I'm convicted by it. By nature, I'm a complainer. And by nature, I want to solve my own problems. I've been in the process of learning that there is more to be thankful for than to complain about. But sometimes that "complainer" is just lurking under the surface - maybe not voicing complaints, but maybe influencing attitudes or actions. I now see in those situations, a simple sentence can help me get the right perspective: "Silence! Watch God!"
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Why Twice?
Mark 8 (ESV)
22 And they came to Bethsaida. And some people brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him. 23 And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, “Do you see anything?” 24 And he looked up and said, “I see men, but they look like trees, walking.” 25 Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. 26 And he sent him to his home, saying, “Do not even enter the village.”
Have you ever considered why Jesus had to make two attempts to heal this blind man? Why wasn't the blind man completely healed on the first attempt?
Was it because Jesus didn't have the ability to do it on the first try?
We believe that Jesus is God, and that God is all powerful, so what is up with this account?
It comes down to we don't know. We can look at clues though. It was not the blind man who sought Jesus, but his friends. This blind man MAY have not believed Jesus was able to do anything. He MAY have just gone with Jesus to prove that this Man was just a fake and couldn't do anything.
Then something amazing happened, Jesus revealed just a little of Himself to the man. Just enough for this man to realize that Jesus had some power. Think about the story, why would Jesus have to ask if the man saw anything if Jesus knew He completely healed him?
The blind man received sight, but it was blurred. What do you think was his opinion of Jesus now? "Wow! I can see better, maybe this guy is for real." And I truly doubt that he was put off because he didn't get all his sight. It was probably just enough to spark some faith, because when Jesus touched him again he saw everything clearly. And if you remember Jesus told several people it was their faith that healed them.
How's your faith? Have you been touched that first time so that you know Jesus is for real? And if you have, do you now allow Jesus to open things up so you can see clearly? Take this a step further, are you in any conflicts now? And how many conflicts are the result of misperceptions (not seeing clearly)? Ask the Lord whom you trusted your life in to open your eyes so that you may see that situation clearly.
22 And they came to Bethsaida. And some people brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him. 23 And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, “Do you see anything?” 24 And he looked up and said, “I see men, but they look like trees, walking.” 25 Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. 26 And he sent him to his home, saying, “Do not even enter the village.”
Have you ever considered why Jesus had to make two attempts to heal this blind man? Why wasn't the blind man completely healed on the first attempt?
Was it because Jesus didn't have the ability to do it on the first try?
We believe that Jesus is God, and that God is all powerful, so what is up with this account?
It comes down to we don't know. We can look at clues though. It was not the blind man who sought Jesus, but his friends. This blind man MAY have not believed Jesus was able to do anything. He MAY have just gone with Jesus to prove that this Man was just a fake and couldn't do anything.
Then something amazing happened, Jesus revealed just a little of Himself to the man. Just enough for this man to realize that Jesus had some power. Think about the story, why would Jesus have to ask if the man saw anything if Jesus knew He completely healed him?
The blind man received sight, but it was blurred. What do you think was his opinion of Jesus now? "Wow! I can see better, maybe this guy is for real." And I truly doubt that he was put off because he didn't get all his sight. It was probably just enough to spark some faith, because when Jesus touched him again he saw everything clearly. And if you remember Jesus told several people it was their faith that healed them.
How's your faith? Have you been touched that first time so that you know Jesus is for real? And if you have, do you now allow Jesus to open things up so you can see clearly? Take this a step further, are you in any conflicts now? And how many conflicts are the result of misperceptions (not seeing clearly)? Ask the Lord whom you trusted your life in to open your eyes so that you may see that situation clearly.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
What's there to fear?
Psalm 27
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
This psalm came a day after I faced the temptation of fear. My family faced three pieces of bad news in one day and all in the same area. The first thing that came to mind was, "What are we going to do?" And though that was not the "mature Christian" thought, it still shows that I have "knee-jerk" reactions.
I quickly recovered from this, but there was one part of that actually desired "to worry." Though with my heart and mind I trusted in the Lord, there was a part of me upset that I couldn't worry. I know its silly, and I saw it as silly and quickly dismissed it as another temptation to deal with situations on my own (or in the flesh). But it did make me think.
How many of us would not see that as temptation but automatically go into survival mode? Do we let fear trigger us into a primal survival mode? Do you know another name for this survival mode? Yep, you got it, it's our sinful nature. Its us deciding we know how to survive better than the Creator of life Himself.
The beginning of this psalm sparked this thought, and the answer comes in the last line. Take time to reflect on what fears trigger you into survivor mode, and then let the Lord have control in those areas.
Psalm 27:14
Wait for the Lord;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the Lord!
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
This psalm came a day after I faced the temptation of fear. My family faced three pieces of bad news in one day and all in the same area. The first thing that came to mind was, "What are we going to do?" And though that was not the "mature Christian" thought, it still shows that I have "knee-jerk" reactions.
I quickly recovered from this, but there was one part of that actually desired "to worry." Though with my heart and mind I trusted in the Lord, there was a part of me upset that I couldn't worry. I know its silly, and I saw it as silly and quickly dismissed it as another temptation to deal with situations on my own (or in the flesh). But it did make me think.
How many of us would not see that as temptation but automatically go into survival mode? Do we let fear trigger us into a primal survival mode? Do you know another name for this survival mode? Yep, you got it, it's our sinful nature. Its us deciding we know how to survive better than the Creator of life Himself.
The beginning of this psalm sparked this thought, and the answer comes in the last line. Take time to reflect on what fears trigger you into survivor mode, and then let the Lord have control in those areas.
Psalm 27:14
Wait for the Lord;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the Lord!
Monday, February 4, 2008
Desiring Righteousness
Psalm 25
4 Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
teach me your paths.
5 Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all the day long.
This psalm struck me this morning. It is very simple, yet it compells me to just say, "Lord I am yours, please lead me."
No long explanation or insight today, just a challenge to seek God's will today. Take time to read His Word. Ask Him for understanding before you read (Ps 119:18). And expect to hear from Him everytime you read His love letter to you.
Desire change in your life - change that reflects God molding you into something incredible. A lump of clay only has to do two things: be moldable and remain in the potter's hands. Can you do that today?
4 Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
teach me your paths.
5 Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all the day long.
This psalm struck me this morning. It is very simple, yet it compells me to just say, "Lord I am yours, please lead me."
No long explanation or insight today, just a challenge to seek God's will today. Take time to read His Word. Ask Him for understanding before you read (Ps 119:18). And expect to hear from Him everytime you read His love letter to you.
Desire change in your life - change that reflects God molding you into something incredible. A lump of clay only has to do two things: be moldable and remain in the potter's hands. Can you do that today?
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